Growing Leeks

(allium porrum)

Easy to grow. Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed.
Best planted at soil temperatures between 8°C and 30°C.
(Show °F/in)

Space plants: 10 - 20 cm apart

Harvest in 15-18 weeks. Loosen with a fork rather than pull by hand..

Compatible with (can grow beside): Carrots

A member of the onion family.
Looks rather like a large scallion or spring onion
Grow in seed trays or punnets until about 20cm (8in) tall. They look rather like large blades of grass at that stage.
Then plant out into trenches or individual deep holes. The aim is to blanch the stems while the plants are growing.
Trenches should be about 20-25cm (8-10in) deep. Set the seedlings 10-15 cm (4 - 6in) apart then add enough soil to just cover the roots. As the plants grow fill the trench.
Otherwise - make holes with a dibble or suitable stick 15 cm (6 in) deep and 3-4 cm (1.5 - 2 in) wide. Drop a seedling in each and water enough to cover the roots with soil. As they grow, watering will gradually fill the hole.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Leeks

Trim off the roots and any damaged leaves.
Young ones can be used whole with some of the green leaves
Wash thoroughly as the earth tends to get inside.
Chop and fry in butter (or olive oil) until tender.
Can be added to casserole meals, allowing time to cook through.
Leek and mushroom make a tasty combination for a tart filling.

Your comments and tips

I am in Upton, MA. My leek plants arrived today. I was planning to be away in April and May, so I had them sent early. Now I am home with trip cancelled. Can I plant the leek plants now? If not, how long can I wait? I have 50 Lancelot leek plants.

Read the notes here. Transplant out at 4-6 weeks. Sounds like you are pretty close to that. Protect them the first week or two from the sun and wind while they establish themselves. A light watering each day also.

I planted a leek from a seedling in Brisbane in February. It was doing really well until this morning when it went from fine to limp and lying on the ground within the space of about half an hour. Any idea what went wrong? When i peeled the leaves back the inside was literally mush.
I thought I might’ve over watered but when I dug the plant out the soil was quite dry

I am in Upton, MA. My leek plants arrived today. I was planning to be away in April and May, so I had them sent early. Now I am home with trip cancelled. Can I plant the leek plants now? If not, how long can I wait? I have 50 Lancelot leek plants.

- Audrey Dempsey

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department.
The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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